It is apparent there's too much stress and tension at this time. Crate/rotate (GSD is never out at the same time the other dogs are).

I forget if you utilize crates, but if not, now is the time to start.

Pit Bull Rescue Central Although written for pit bulls, it can be used on any breed, and we've had issues here with non-pit bull dogs, any breed, really, can be aggressive to other dogs.

If you start doing this and Mind Games (as in "the dog MINDS") then your dogs may start seeing you as a leader and stop challenging each other so much.

Taking leadership of all the dogs goes a long way in reducing stress and fights. We live in a multiple dog pack and don't see as many fights when someone is controlling the atmosphere.

That is the problem. We can't afford a trainer. My husband just had open heart surgery not too long ago and he has been unable to work, so money is tight right now. We do have one large crate that we use in the house. I have been rotating the GSD in that and in the basement (which is fully heated, the same size as the upstairs of the house, and she has her own couch and toys down there. She seems to be a lot more calm when she is in the basement now versus being upstairs with the other dogs.

With the risk of hiring a crap trainer so very high, some of these things can be done at home and can be implemented on a daily basis, they won't hurt the dog or situation (like a crap trainer would) and just may help

It's been a few days since we have posted any updates on the status of our GSD situation. We have been working with our vet and an animal behaviorist about our situation. The behaviorist is suggesting that we put our GSD on Prozac temporarily, so that we are able to work with the dogs together easier. The behaviorist says that the GR submission to the GSD is out of fear and that fear is making the GSD more aggressive or feeding her aggression. They are suggesting that we keep the GSD on the Prozac for about a week before putting the two dogs back together. Then they are suggesting that we leash both of the dogs and slowly put them back together, not allowing the GSD to be aggressive or the GR to be fearful of the GSD. They say that we need to walk them together (one person to each dog) with a close leash at first and then letting the leash out more and more until they can be around each other without issues. This seems like the best plan that we have been able to come up with so far, any thoughts? Suggestions?

Vet and Behaviorist saying PROZAC???? Sorry - that is a crock.....this is NOT an uncommon problem......drugs are a band aid and will not change the personality of the dogs....you either rehome one (and it is not fair for the GSD to have to go if she was there first IMO) or rotate forever and be diligent that there are no fights.....you are putting everyone - dogs and people - at risk trying to make them be friends.....

I will say, however, that I have had success in using supplements (Springtime Inc's Stress Free Complex) for example taking the edge off just enough that the dog is better able to focus and learn but is NOT drugged. This however was with a young fear aggressive (toward dogs and people) female and she was on the supplements for months while we worked on counter conditioning. She is since off them but is not cured but is better in the house.

This is in no way advice directly on your situation as I have not the dogs interact and I do agree with others that same sex aggression would be very difficult to counter condition and will take LOTS of management and MONTHS and MONTHS of work.

Quote:

Then they are suggesting that we leash both of the dogs and slowly put them back together, not allowing the GSD to be aggressive or the GR to be fearful of the GSD. They say that we need to walk them together (one person to each dog) with a close leash at first and then letting the leash out more and more until they can be around each other without issues. This seems like the best plan that we have been able to come up with so far, any thoughts? Suggestions?

How does the behaviorist suggest you react if the GSD is aggressive? What does not letting her be aggressive mean?

While walking them together (with plenty of distance) and just having them be near each other and calm (opposite sides of the room, leashed and distracted by a bone or doing obedience) is the correct way to go about counter conditioning, you need to have a very real understanding of body language so you can redirect stares and prevent challenges and reward the right state of mind. Also, again, keep in mind that this is several months of work before they will likely get to be close to each other and not something that will happen over night.

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